City Comparison
San Francisco vs Seattle
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Seattle is ~10% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
San Francisco
United States
COL+Rent
75.6
Rent Index
63.1
Groceries
91.5
Restaurant
96.6
Seattle
United States
COL+Rent
67.7
Rent Index
56.2
Groceries
82.2
Restaurant
86.5
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | San Francisco | Seattle | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,868 | $2,553 | +$315 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,248 | $2,001 | +$247 |
| Groceries | $525 | $471 | +$54 |
| Restaurant Meal | $28 | $25 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $92 | $83 | +$9 |
| Utilities | $212 | $191 | +$21 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | San Francisco | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,032/mo | $2,705/mo |
| Typical | $4,117/mo | $3,673/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,072/mo | $4,525/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in San Francisco | ≈ in Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,343/mo | -$157 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,791/mo | -$209 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,687/mo | -$313 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Francisco or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Seattle is approximately 10% cheaper overall. San Francisco's COL+Rent Index is 75.6 vs Seattle's 67.7 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Seattle?
A 1BR in San Francisco city center costs ~$2,868/mo vs $2,553/mo in Seattle. Outside the center: $2,248 vs $2,001.
What is $2,000/month in San Francisco worth in Seattle?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in San Francisco has the purchasing power of approximately $1,791/month in Seattle.
Are groceries cheaper in San Francisco or Seattle?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $525 in San Francisco vs $471 in Seattle. Groceries Index: 91.5 vs 82.2 (NYC = 100).